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Burien planning team highlights recent code work, tree inventory and outreach success
Summary
Community development staff reviewed recent land‑use and code updates, reported ~3,700 annual permits and a 4,000‑point urban tree inventory tied to a Green Burien canopy goal of 40% by 2038; staff said outreach and permit education reduced earlier tree ordinance complaints.
Community development staff gave a detailed briefing to council on Jan. 26 about building, planning and urban forestry work.
Brad Pilsrom, a building inspector and plan reviewer, said the building division processed about 3,700 permits in each of the last two years and handled 252 code enforcement cases last year, including responses to unlawful home‑based commercial kitchens. The rental housing inspection program covers roughly 300 landlord participants and about 110 multifamily properties annually.
Chaney Scottson, senior planner, described the comprehensive plan’s role in long‑range planning and summarized recent legislative work: since fall 2024, the council adopted 11 ordinances amending 19 chapters of the Burien Municipal Code covering housing, mixed use, critical area protections and incentives to speed development.
Urban forester Josh (Peder) outlined tree work and outreach: the city maintains an inventory of over 4,000 tree points with species, condition and location, offers three permit types (major removal, minor removal and vegetation management plans) and is pursuing the Green Burien canopy target to raise canopy from 30% to 40% by 2038. Staff said outreach and education reduced earlier concerns about tree regulations and that the city will report a survey result to council in April.
